How Travel Opened My Eyes
Here I am (at right), all vested up with fellow students on a boat trip to Peru's Palomino Islands.
PowHERful scholar Tameka Thelisnort, a senior at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, relates her eye-opening adventure in Chile and Peru, and tells us how it helped her see the importance of cultural intelligence in international business. (All photos are courtesy of Tameka Thelisnort.)
“Before signing up for Georgia State University’s Soft Landing: Chile & Peru, I had never set foot outside the United States. I’d never navigated a street where I didn’t speak the language, tasted local cuisine prepared in South America, or learned about entrepreneurship from the perspective of another country. But in GSU’s fast-paced study trip through Chile and Peru, I did all of this—and more. I discovered so many things, among them flavors like ceviche and Pisco Sours, historic sites such as the ruins of the Incan religious center of Pachacamac, and the thousands of sea lions that congregate on the rocky shores of the Palomino Islands. I also discovered something that will be of lasting importance to my interest and education in business: that cultural experience and adaptability are essential to the success of any international enterprise.
In Chile: At the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), we attended lectures and spoke with students. At right: a street scene in Santiago.
FIRST STOP: CHILE
“After a long flight, the first moments my fellow travelers and I experienced in Santiago were a hint that we’d arrived in a special place. We stumbled upon Beppo Café, a small breakfast spot with remarkably fresh food, and coffee with unique notes we’d not tasted before. The city around us felt immediately different—vibrant, clean, and full of energy. This first meal was just the beginning of a journey filled with new flavors and new perspectives.
“At Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), we took a deep dive into Chile’s political and economic evolution. In lectures and student interviews, we learned how the country has navigated inequality and constitutional shifts, and how this resilience reflects its entrepreneurial spirit. I spoke with Melanie, a fifth-year law student, who helped me rethink how a brand like Saxbys (a hospitality company with a mission to “Make Life Better”) could connect with Chilean students. I realized that successful international brands don’t just translate language; ideally, they translate positive values.
Our study group with UAI students and speakers, and the Chilean flag.
“Visiting local companies like Niu Sushi and Tommy Beans added another layer of understanding. We analyzed menus, marketing, and customer experience to see what worked and why. With each visit—whether it was to a high-end fast-casual spot or to a major food conglomerate—we explored how global companies adapt to local cultures. One major takeaway is that no two markets are the same, and we can’t work from assumptions.
“Even our downtime was filled with learning opportunities. Riding a cable car up to Cerro San Cristóbal, I learned that the hill’s original name, Tupahue, means “place of God.” From the towering Virgin Mary statue to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, we saw history alive all around us—a reminder that business is part of a larger societal and political context.
Lima, Peru's capital city, is filled with gorgeous trees and flowers.
NEXT STOP: PERU
“Crossing into Peru, we were immediately greeted with warmth and hospitality. Our welcome dinner at Cevicheria Barra Maretazo showcased not just Peru’s world-famous cuisine but its cultural generosity. It became clear to me that in Peru, food is more than food—it’s a language, a bridge, a means of bringing people together.
“At Lima’s Chamber of Commerce, we were introduced to one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies. From mining to infrastructure, Peru’s growth is impressive—but what struck me was its collaborative and inclusive approach to business. By helping entrepreneurs minimize fraud, and through issuing 6,000 certificates of origin each month, the Chamber’s robust support system helps to uplift communities and strengthen trade.
At left: Peruvian tasting dish with fish. At right: Beef and pasta dish especially popular in Chile.
A memorable first breakfast in Chile included coffee with distinctive notes. At right: Peruvian shrimp empanadas with freshly made guacamole.
“We also met with leaders at Parque Arauco, a company redefining the mall experience in Peru, Chile, and Colombia. Their customer-first strategy is tailored to both luxury diners and curious shoppers; we learned here how crucial it is to know your audience and to design with them in mind.
“One of my favorite moments was a Peruvian cooking class where we made trout appetizers, potato-and-tuna dishes, and mushroom gnocchi. We laughed, chopped, and sautéed as we took in a world of cultural knowledge. We learned that Peruvian cuisine is not just about particular ingredients, but about Peruvian identity and pride.
“At Centrum PUCP, we compared coffee cultures and discovered that what works in one country may flop in another. Chile prefers fast, cheap, and simple. In Peru, they like a rich, curated experience, and have the patience to wait for it. That contrast alone taught me more about global business strategy than any textbook could.
At left: Our cooking class with Chef Orlando at Nuestro Bistro in Lima, Peru. At right: Also in Lima, in one of the conference rooms at the Chamber of Commerce.
BIGGER THAN BUSINESS
“This trip wasn’t just to learn about economics or branding. From our visits to historical sights and local neighborhoods, to restaurants and shops, and in speaking with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and university students, we were constantly reminded that a successful business must respect the places and people it serves. Cultural intelligence is essential.
“In Chile, I saw how businesses respond to inequality and political change. In Peru, I witnessed innovation grounded in community and tradition. In both, I learned that business leaders who want to be truly global don’t just show up with a product—they show up ready to listen, to learn, and to adapt.
“This trip changed me. It broadened my view of the world and clarified the kind of business leader I want to be: someone who values inclusion, curiosity, and respect. Whether I’m working with a brand like Saxbys or building something new, I now understand that success abroad begins with cultural humility.
“Travel gave me the gift of perspective. It showed me that international business is not just about charts, numbers, and market share—it’s about people, culture, and connection. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.”